In a major boost to its combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to equip its fleet of MiG-29 fighter jets with the ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile).
The move is aimed at significantly enhancing the aircraft’s effectiveness in close-range aerial combat.
Defence Ministry Initiates Integration Process
The Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on March 25 for integrating and testing the ASRAAM missile on the upgraded MiG-29 UPG variant.
The contract will include:
- Missile procurement
- Launch systems and associated equipment
- Training for pilots and ground personnel
A Major Upgrade Over R-73 Missile
Currently, the MiG-29 is equipped with the R-73 missile, a legacy system from the 1980s.
Key improvements with ASRAAM:
- Range: Over 25 km (compared to 10–15 km of R-73)
- Advanced targeting and accuracy
- Better performance in modern combat scenarios
This upgrade will replace the ageing R-73 missiles across the IAF’s MiG-29 fleet.
About ASRAAM Missile
The ASRAAM is a fourth-generation, heat-seeking air-to-air missile developed by the European defence company MBDA.
Key Features:
- Fire-and-forget technology (no pilot guidance after launch)
- Speed exceeding Mach 3
- High-explosive warhead
- Length: 2.9 metres
- Weight: 88 kg
- High precision against fast-moving targets
The missile is already integrated with:
- LCA Tejas
- Jaguar aircraft
Indigenous Manufacturing Push
Under a 2021 agreement, MBDA has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited for local assembly and testing of ASRAAM in India.
A dedicated facility is currently being developed in Hyderabad, supporting the government’s Make in India initiative.
Strategic Context: Regional Comparison
India’s move comes amid growing capabilities in neighbouring countries:
- China deploys the PL-10 missile on advanced fighter jets
- Pakistan uses the export variant PL-10E on JF-17 Block III
However, defence experts suggest ASRAAM offers superior range and performance, giving India a competitive edge.
Role of MiG-29 in Indian Air Defence
The MiG-29 continues to play a crucial role in India’s air defence:
- Over 55 aircraft in service
- Maintains air superiority along western borders
- Capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions
It was also actively deployed during Operation Sindoor.
Conclusion
The integration of ASRAAM missiles marks a significant technological upgrade for the MiG-29 fleet. With enhanced range, speed, and precision, the aircraft will be better equipped to handle modern aerial threats, strengthening India’s defence preparedness against regional adversaries.